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Physics, (Accelerated B.S./M.S.)

Program objectives for a B.S. in Physics are: (a) knowledge of core principles in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal physics, quantum mechanics, mathematical methods, optics, and modern physics; (b) ability to discriminate between relevant and irrelevant principles and facts in problem solving; (c) an understanding of research methodology in physics; (d) ability to effectively communicate scientific results in both oral and written reports; (e) ability to use computers for data analysis, literature search, scientific writing, and the ability to use other specialized research equipment; (f) ability to collaborate with other students in and out of the laboratory and during problem-solving.

University General Education Program (41 hours)

See Graduation from the University for the University General Education Program requirements. Note the following requirements specified for the Physics major:

Electives

Electives may be chosen to bring the total number of hours to 120.

Honors Program

This program is open to physics majors who maintain a grade point average of at least 3.25, both overall and in physics, have achieved junior standing, and have completed PHYS 3060. Students admitted to the honors program must complete 8 hours of upper-division physics honors courses: (1) PHYS 4991/PHYS 4992 Honors Research in Physics, where the student will conduct original scholarly work under the direction of an honors research advisor; (2) PHYS 4999 Senior Honors Thesis, where the student will write a thesis based upon background reading and the experimental research completed in PHYS 4991/PHYS 4992; (3) PHYS 4911 Senior Honors Seminar, where the student will give a presentation based on the work completed in PHYS 4991/PHYS 4992.

Those students who complete the physics honors program and the regular college requirements will be recognized at the commencement ceremony by having their degree conferred “With Honors in Physics.” Moreover, the student’s diploma and record at the University of Memphis will reflect this distinction.

Accelerated B.S./M.S. Program in Physics

This program allows outstanding undergraduates to begin the coursework for the Master of Science in Physics during their senior year. Students are encouraged to begin planning to enter the Accelerated B.S./M.S. program early in their undergraduate career, in consultation with their advisor in the Department of Physics and Materials Science.

Working with the undergraduate and graduate academic coordinators, undergraduates selected into this program begin a carefully tailored course of study which will allow them to complete their B.S. degree while they also begin the coursework toward their M.S.

To apply, students must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average, and must submit two reference letters and a copy of their transcript to the Department of Physics and Materials Science department. Each applicant will complete an interview with the graduate academic coordinator in physics.

Students must also apply to the Graduate School for the accelerated B.S./M.S. program, which allows them to take graduate courses in physics. To continue in the program past the B.S., students must apply for full admission into the Graduate School and into the M.S. program of the Department of Physics and Materials Science.

Only in ABM programs, up to 9 hours of graduate course work may be applied to both the undergraduate and graduate programs. However, any graduate coursework will not apply to undergraduate GPA.